Big M, 5/13

[Quillback]

 

Got out this morning with OA member Muddy Water.  We launched at about 0530, it was cold and foggy.  Foggy enough that we did not get too far from Big M, couldn't get to where I wanted to go in that fog.  It worried me that we couldn't get to the good spot, but we found the top water bite anyway, and it was a pretty darned good one.  Not sure exactly how many fish we got, I did count mine, but I didn't count Muddy's.  We probably got between 50-60 in 5 hours of fishing.  Maybe 40 on top water and another dozen or so on Keitechs and other paddle tail baits and a couple of c-rig fish.  4 or 5 largemouth that were between 2 -3 lbs., a bunch of 14-16 inch spots, and a smallie (on a c-rigged UV Speed Craw) that was just short of 4 lbs.

That double above is a mean that was a little over 17" and the spot was about 16".

If we would have put very bite in the boat, we would've caught over a 100.  Just a great morning.  We also caught a half dozen white bass on top of everything else.

Mr. Babler is right about that Keitech, I was using the 3.3" on one of Dave's 1/8 oz Ned heads.  Only thing I would change is maybe use one with a #1 hook instead of a #2 for those smaller 3.3 Keitechs.  Only drawback to the Keitechs is they are so darned soft.  Hard to get more that 2-3 bass out of one.

Fish were out in the main lake off a point, and we got a few off a cove point that was near 60 FOW.

Water temp was 71.

Shad are spawning - how do I know that?  Well, while we fishing off the point, there were a bunch of shad hanging around the motor and the transom splashing around.  Got back to the ramp, and as I was wiping down the boat, noticed that there were small fish eggs sticking to the transom and the motor.  Never have had shad spawn on the boat, but I guess there is a first time for everything.

 

[bferg]

Awesome post man!  Sounds like a great morning.  I am headed over to Big M next Saturday so I hope I can get on that Top Water bite...

On the Kai Techs- if you glue them to the head the last MUCH longer.  Also, it is almost like the more beat up they get the better they work.  I keep throwing them until the tail breaks off.  They are soft and still don't last as long as some baits but the glue helps at least double the life on them.  

[dtrs5kprs]

I'm hearing the Love Boat theme in my head right now...

Heck of a trip.

[dtrs5kprs]

34 minutes ago, bferg said:

Awesome post man!  Sounds like a great morning.  I am headed over to Big M next Saturday so I hope I can get on that Top Water bite...

On the Kai Techs- if you glue them to the head the last MUCH longer.  Also, it is almost like the more beat up they get the better they work.  I keep throwing them until the tail breaks off.  They are soft and still don't last as long as some baits but the glue helps at least double the life on them.  

I've been running them on a wire guard head with no collar, and gluing to the shank and head, just like a Ned Rig. You'll still lose tails to nippers, but won't split the body open as quickly. Mostly 1/4 and 3/8 with a 3/0 or so.

[Mitch f]

Great report Quillback

[Bill Babler]

Great thing about it is if you leave them alone for an hour or so and the wind picks up they are right back there in huge numbers.  I am starting to see a few out there that have been practice caught, but the majority are fresh and ready to gobble anything that makes a sputter on the water, either below or above.

Nice report Jeff.  You see I didn't stick them all, but I know where they live.

[Nitro 750]

Sounds like a fun day on the lake.

[Donna G]

7 hours ago, bferg said:

Awesome post man!  Sounds like a great morning.  I am headed over to Big M next Saturday so I hope I can get on that Top Water bite...

On the Kai Techs- if you glue them to the head the last MUCH longer.  Also, it is almost like the more beat up they get the better they work.  I keep throwing them until the tail breaks off.  They are soft and still don't last as long as some baits but the glue helps at least double the life on them.  

Another option is War Eagle Lures new swimbait head.  Single wire guard and a really unique keeper.  I fished one all day without a drop of glue.  

[Bill Babler]

Can you post a picture of it.  Sounds like the deal.

[crazy4fishin]

Is this it? 

1_8oz. Painted Dart Head Jig - War Eagle Custom Lures_ The Official Site.html